Motorists will be rewarded with cash gift vouchers for seeing motorcyclists in a novel twist to the Joe Rider road safety campaign.
Orange Ulysses Branch has won a $4100 Community Road Safety Grant from the NSW Government to run the campaign throughout February.
Branch president Lester Davis says he hopes the safety campaign will prevent SMIDSY (sorry mate, I didn’t see you) accidents in the region and make drivers more aware of riders.
The campaign features riders wearing fluorescent vests with the words “Joe Rider” on them. The campaign has previously been run in the ACT, Goulburn and Shoalhaven regions.
ACT rider with a Joe Rider vest
However, the Orange district in central NSW has a slight twist on the theme.
Drivers who see a Joe Rider vest can fill out a coupon in from the Friday and Saturday editions of the Central Western Daily newspaper to win cash prizes.
“There will be four riders from our branch at any time riding the roads in shifts,” Lester says.
“Drivers have to cut out the coupon, fill in the date, time and where they saw Joe and we compare that with a log book we will keep.”
Each Monday (February 11, 18, 25 and March 4) three correctly completed coupons will be drawn and the winners will receive a $50 gift card.
On the last day, three $500 gift cards will be drawn.
“We hope to do it annually, depending on how well it goes,” Lester says.
“If we get a good response and if we think we are doing some good, we will apply for the grant again.”
Passing lanes make motorists safer with many speeding up to 125km/h to safely pass, yet police continue to set up speed traps in these safe sections of road.
Austroads has published a report that found passing lanes have many safety benefits, including perceived safety by motorists, safer operational conditions, and historical crash reductions.
That’s despite the fact that their research shows 85% of motorists break the speed limit to pass vehicles.
So why the speed traps in these lanes? Probably because police know they can “nab” a good quota of speeders.
Such a disingenuous practice penalises motorists who are actually being safe.
It’s not that motorists are speeding through these sections so they can continue to speed and represent a danger on the road.
In fact, the research shows the zones before and after overtaking lanes are made safer by the presence of these lanes.
Crash rates around passing lanes:
18.9% reduction in injury crashes in the passing lane;
10.% reduction 5km after the lane; and
17.6% reduction up to 2km before;
The last figure may be due to the presence of signage advising a passing lane is ahead.
In Australia, these signs are placed 3km before the overtaking lane, while in New Zealand they are 2km ahead.
Passing lane woes
We would also like to see trucks and vehicles towing trailers and caravans prevented from overtaking in these lanes unless there are no following vehicles.
Problems arise when trucks take the entire length of a passing lane to overtake another truck.
That can leave a trail of frustrated and annoyed motorists unable to pass the first truck which could lead to dangerous overtaking manoeuvres.
It’s not just trucks that cause problems, but motorists who try to pass but stay within the speed limit.
Slow vehicle overtaking
That’s because they are concerned police will have a speed trap in the lane.
If there were a requirement for vehicles in the “slow lane” to reduce their speed by 10km/h or an allowance for overtaking motorists to momentarily speed — as is already happening by 85% of users — more vehicles could pass.
That would lead to reduced risk-taking and road rage.
There are fines for this sort of behaviour. In Queensland, motorists can cop a $76 fine and two demerit points for driving in the right lane without overtaking in areas with 90km/h or higher speed limits, including passing lanes.
State and national sportsperson of the year awards are made by the Sport Minister while the Sport Australia Hall of Fame is decided by a selection committee.
It’s too late for this year’s sportsperson of the year awards announced on Australia Day (Saturday, January 26, 2019).
However, we have initiated nominations for the state and national awards with the relevant Ministers for next year. Toby was born in NSW and now lives on the Gold Coast, so nominations will be lodged in both states.
A nomination for The Don honour has been lodged and we are told the selection committee will research our nomination.
These nominations will have more impact if our petition garners a lot of support from the community, so make sure you share the link with all your friends!
Results of the petition will be forwarded to the Ministers and Hall of Fame.
Why Toby deserves honour
Toby in action
Australia has a long history of Dakar entries, most notably rookie and privateer Andy Haydon who placed third in 1998, Simon Pavey who competed 10 times and the late Andy Caldecott who competed from 2004 to 2006 when he tragically died during the race.
The Dakar is a gruelling rally that has claimed the lives of 24 competitors since it started in 1978. It is referred to as the toughest motorsport event in the world.
Toby started racing the lethal Dakar in 2015, finishing an astounding third on debut.
He broke his leg in 2017 and last year finished third despite not racing for a year due to injury.
Just a month before this year’s Dakar, Toby broke his wrist in training. His second victory while nursing a “burning wrist” is all the more brave and worthy of an honour.
Last year Toby also became the first Australian to win the FIM World Cross Country Championship and scored a record sixth win in Australia’s toughest motorcycle rally, the Finke Desert Race.
Toby wins sixth Finke
In fact, he won that race on debut, a feat he also achieved in the Hattah Dessert Race.
Toby has also won two Australian Junior Motocross Championships and the Australian Off-Road Racing Championship.
Dakar’s most prolific winner, Stéphane Peterhansel, scored his sixth win the year he turned 33. Marc Coma won his fifth Dakar Rally at the age of 39. So Toby, aged 31, still has several years of racing ahead of him and is hopeful of more Dakar wins.
The Don
World Rally Champion
We believe The Don would be a fitting honour for Toby since it is awarded to a sportsperson who inspires the nation.
The award began in 1998 when five-time world GP champion Mick Doohan was a finalist. The Don was shared that year by cricket caption Mark Taylor and athlete Heather Turland.
It will be difficult for Toby to win The Don as no motorsport identity has ever won.
Two-time MotoGP champion Casey Stoner is a three-time nominee and two-time finalist, but never a recipient of The Don. Last year F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo was a finalist on his second nomination, joined by Indy driver Will Power.
Maybe it’s time for a motorcycle racer to win.
The Don is announced each October, so there is plenty of time to impress the selection panel with petition signatures.
One of the best ways to celebrate the Australia Day weekend is with three days of classic racing at the magnificent Phillip Island circuit.
More than 450 bikes will compete in 56 races at the 26th Phillip Island Classic from January 25-27.
A three-day adult ticket costs $82 bought online before noon tomorrow (January 23) and free for children 15 and under accompanied by a full-paying adult. Gate prices are more.
You can camp at the circuit for four nights for just over $20 a night with kids free.
Classic racing categories
There are six classic racing categories from pre-WW1 bikes through Vintage (1920-1945), Classic and Post Classic (from 1946 to 1972) and the more recent Forgotten Era and New Era classes fighting for class honours and the Phil Irving Perpetual Trophy.
A highlight will be the 15th International Challenge between New Zealand, the USA and defending champions Australia for bikes manufactured between 1973 and 1985.
In a first for the International Challenge, the 2019 event will be filmed and post-produced into a two-hour TV program in Europe, UK, America, Asia, New Zealand and Australia where it will be screened on Fox Sports and SBS in late February.
Each team will feature the top 13 riders from their nominated squads based on qualifying times. They will compete in four, six-lap races.
Australia’s team is led by Adelaide’s David Johnson, the star performer of the 2018 team that won back the International Challenge trophy from the UK after a three-year drought.
He will be supported by Isle of Man winner Cameron Donald, world endurance champion, Melbourne’s Steve Martin, three-time Australian superbike champion and Island Classic champion Shawn Giles and Coffs Harbour’s Beau Beaton who last year won the Phil Irving Trophy.
America will be represented by Jason Pridmore, four-time AMA superbike champion Josh Hayes, Steve Rapp, Mark Miller, Larry Pegram, Dale Quarterley, Mark Miller and Aussie expatriate journalist Rennie Scaysbrook.
The Kiwis are represented by Alex Phillis, Carl Cox, three-time British superbike champion John Reynolds, Jay Lawrence, and Michael Neeves.
Classic racing on classic motorcycles!
Event schedule
Classic parade lap (Image: Andrew Gosling)
(* Points awarded toward the Phil Irving Perpetual trophy)
FRIDAY 25TH JANUARY 9am Start
Q1 Pre‐War, 125 Post Classic & Forgotten Era, 250 Post Classic & Classic 15 min
Q2 250 Forgotten Era, 125 New Era & Shannons Insurance 350 Classic 15 min
Q3 500 Forgotten Era & Unlimited Post Classic 15 min
Q4 Unlimited Forgotten Era ‐ Odds 15 min
Q5 Unlimited Forgotten Era ‐ Evens 15 min
Q6 Shannons Insurance 500 Post Classic 15 min
Q7 Pablo’s Motorcycle Tyres New Era Formula 750 15 min
Q8 350 Forgotten Era & Unlimited Classic 15 min
Q9 Shannons Insurance 500 Classic & 350 Post Classic 15 min
Q10 International Challenge ‐ Slowest 50% 8 min
Q11 International Challenge ‐ Fastest 50% 8 min
Q12 250 New Era & 250 New Era Production 15 min
Q13 Pablo’s Motorcycle Tyres New Era Formula 1300 15 min
Q14 500 New Era 15 min
E1* Pre‐War, 125 Post Classic & Forgotten Era, 250 Post Classic & Classic 4 Laps
E2* 250 Forgotten Era, 125 New Era & Shannons Insurance 350 Classic 4 Laps
E3* 500 Forgotten Era & Unlimited Post Classic 4 Laps
E4* Unlimited Forgotten Era ‐ Premier 4 Laps
E5* Unlimited Forgotten Era ‐ Minor 4 Laps
Q15 International Challenge ‐ Slowest 50% 8 min
Q16 International Challenge ‐ Fastest 50% 8 min
E6* Shannons Insurance 500 Post Classic 4 Laps
E7* Pablo’s Motorcycle Tyres New Era Formula 750 4 Laps
5pm Finish
SATURDAY 26TH JANUARY, 9am Start
E8* 350 Forgotten Era & Unlimited Classic 4 Laps
E9* Shannons Insurance 500 Classic & 350 Post Classic 4 Laps
E10* 250 New Era & 250 New Era Production 4 Laps
E11* Pablo’s Motorcycle Tyres New Era Formula 1300 4 Laps
E12* 500 New Era 4 Laps
E13* Pre‐War, 125 Post Classic & Forgotten Era, 250 Post Classic & Classic 5 Laps
E14* 250 Forgotten Era, 125 New Era & Shannon’s Insurance 350 Classic 5 Laps
E15* 500 Forgotten Era & Unlimited Post Classic 5 Laps
E16* Unlimited Forgotten Era ‐ Premier 5 Laps
E17* Unlimited Forgotten Era ‐ Minor 5 Laps
D1 Demonstration Lap 2 Laps
E18 International Challenge 6 Laps
E19* Shannons Insurance 500 Post Classic 5 Laps
E20* Pablo’s Motorcycle Tyres New Era Formula 750 5 Laps
E21* 350 Forgotten Era & Unlimited Classic 5 Laps
E22* Shannons Insurance 500 Classic & 350 Post Classic 5 Laps
E23* 250 New Era & 250 New Era Production 5 Laps
E24* Pablo’s Motorcycle Tyres New Era Formula 1300 5 Laps
E25* 500 New Era 5 Laps
D2 Demonstration Lap 2 Laps
E26 International Challenge 6 Laps
E27* Pre‐War, 125 Post Classic & Forgotten Era, 250 Post Classic & Classic 4 Laps
E28* 250 Forgotten Era, 125 New Era & Shannons Insurance 350 Classic 4 Laps
E29* 500 Forgotten Era & Unlimited Post Classic 4 Laps
E30* Unlimited Forgotten Era ‐ Premier 4 Laps
5pm Finish
SUNDAY 27TH JANUARY, 9am Start
E31* Unlimited Forgotten Era ‐ Minor 4 Laps
E32* Shannons Insurance 500 Post Classic 4 Laps
E33* Pablo’s Motorcycle Tyres New Era Formula 750 4 Laps
E34* 350 Forgotten Era & Unlimited Classic 4 Laps
E35* Shannons Insurance 500 Classic & 350 Post Classic 4 Laps
E36* 250 New Era & 250 New Era Production 4 Laps
E37* Pablo’s Motorcycle Tyres New Era Formula 1300 4 Laps
E38* 500 New Era 4 Laps
D3 Demonstration 2 Laps
E39 International Challenge 6 Laps
E40* Pre‐War, 125 Post Classic & Forgotten Era, 250 Post Classic & Classic 5 Laps
E41* 250 Forgotten Era, 125 New Era & Shannon’s Insurance 350 Classic 5 Laps
E42* 500 Forgotten Era & Unlimited Post Classic 5 Laps
E43* Unlimited Forgotten Era ‐ Premier 5 Laps
E44* Unlimited Forgotten Era ‐ Minor 5 Laps
E45* Shannons Insurance 500 Post Classic 5 Laps
E46* Pablo’s Motorcycle Tyres New Era Formula 750 5 Laps
E47* 350 Forgotten Era & Unlimited Classic 5 Laps
Parade Shannons Insurance Parade Lap 1 Lap
E48 International Challenge 6 Laps
E49* Shannons Insurance 500 Classic & 350 Post Classic 5 Laps
E50* 250 New Era & 250 New Era Production 5 Laps
E51* Pablo’s Motorcycle Tyres New Era Formula 1300 5 Laps
E52* 500 New Era 5 Laps
5pm Finish
International Challenge
(Image: Russell Colvin)
ENTRY LIST FOR THE INTERNATIONAL CHALLENGE 2019 – January 25-27 2019 (as at Jan 21)
AUSTRALIA
INTERNATIONAL CHALLENGE ENTRY LIST FOR JANUARY 25-27 2019 ISLAND CLASSIC, PRESENTED BY VISIT PHILLIP ISLAND (as at Jan 16 2019)
RaceNo
First Name
Sponsor
Make
Model
Year
Cap
3
David Johnson
DMR Motorsport/Murray’s Brit Bikes/Race Bikes Services
Suzuki
XR69
1982
1100
19
Shawn Giles
Trevor Birrell Racing / D & D Industries / Light Alloy Engineering
Most of us can only dream of owning a classic superbike and it’s difficult to imagine being able to get within touching distance of one of these high-tech feats of engineering. There are a plethora of rarer models which regularly change hands at auctions for eye-watering sums of money and enthusiasts are always on the look-out for an opportunity to add to their extensive collections. We take a look at some of the rarer models which are currently believed to be in single-figures and those one-off bikes which have never been replicated.
Cosmic Starship (Image source: Cycle Heart via Twitter)
Harley Davidson Cosmic Starship
Harley Davidson are one of the best-known motorcycle manufacturers in the world and the iconic brand have produced a number of rarities over the years but artist Jack Armstrong’s “Cosmic Starship” is a one-off and has fetched upwards of $1,000,000 at a recent auction. It was unveiled back in 2010 and featured the artist’s unique painting style. It was described as being “more American than ice cream” and Armstrong told the media that “Andy Warhol would have loved it”. It had its own launch event in Los Angeles back in 2010 and required over 37 coats of paint in order to achieve its unique and stylish finish.
Ferarri 900 CC
Back in 1990, David Kay, a British designer of some repute decided to team up with the Modena company after receiving official permission from the firm. He went on to handcraft the only Ferrari superbike in history, to date. The Italian giants have never attempted to replicate this one-off creation and it took around four years and 3,000 hours of hard graft to finish. The bike can boast a four-cylinder, 900cc engine, which produces 105bhp and has a five-speed gearbox.
The bike boasts Ferrari’s iconic red livery with the bodywork clearly referencing classic Italian design. The company decided against replicating the Ferrari 900 CC and are now probably best known for their success in Formula 1, with Sebastian Vettel flying the flag for them in recent years. The German driver finished behind Lewis Hamilton in the 2018 standings but will be determined to turn the tables on the Brit next year and as of November 26th 2018, he’s 3/1 to win the 2019 Drivers Championship with Betway. His fierce rival was signed-up to help design a one-off superbike last year, with MV Augusta announcing that the five-time champion and brand-ambassador will come on board to help them release another rarity.
Ferrari bike (Image source: Motociclismo via Twitter)
Lotus C-01
The Lotus C-01 is relatively common compared to the Ferrari 900 CC but only 100 of these eye-catching mean machines left the factory and only those who have a spare $130,000 lying around will be able to afford one of these beauties. It was inspired by the Lotus 49 Formula One car and is extremely light compared to the average superbike. It certainly stands out from the crowd and creates a bold statement. It has a 75 degree V-Twin engine, a titanium body and an incredibly unconventional wheel-base. The Lotus C-01 is still relatively new but despite only being released in 2014, it’s incredibly difficult and costly to get your hands on one of these fantastic machines.
Lotus C-01
Lamborghini Design 90
Another Italian company who dabbled in superbike production was Lamborghini, who decided to release the iconic Design 90 back in 1989. Only six of these models left the conveyor belt with the company acknowledging that their experiment had been a largely unsuccessful one. These prototypes were originally designed to resemble the V12 Supercar but the bike failed to capture the imagination of the public and future production plans were called off soon after its release. Fitted with a 100cc Kawasaki engine, this model is certainly unique but they are now largely kept in storage by their collectors. Earlier this year, one of the six Design 90s was sent to auction but it failed to meet the reserve price.
Image source: Classic Motor Hub via Twitter
Series C Vincent Black Lightning
It may be Jay Leno’s favourite, but the Vincent Black Lightning has become an incredibly prized possession over the last decade. A new world record price for a motorcycle was set in the US earlier this year when an ultra-rare Black Lightning sold for just shy of $1,000,000. The bike was a lightweight version of the Black Shadow and with just 33 of these built, their numbers are dwindling whilst their value is increasing. Around 19 of these atypical and irregular racing bikes, built by Tony MacAlpine and first manufactured back in 1948, are believed to still be circulation. The bike that recently sold at the auction was believed to be one of the later models, dating back to 1951, and these incredibly rare specimens are quite the sought-after commodity.
Vincent Black Lightning
Superbike fans could be forgiven for salivating at the thought of owning one of these rare and lesser-spotted stunners. There are many more examples of models which were quickly taken out of circulation or were produced as one-off prototypes, the likes of which are incredibly unlikely to ever be manufactured again.
A Brisbane rider whose BMW R 1200 R was rear-ended in 2016 is still waiting to find out if the irresponsible driver who hit him has been fined.
Matthew Craig, of Daisy Hill, was leaving the M1 at the Mt Gravatt-Capalaba Rd exit when he stopped at a give way sign in the left-hand slip lane to let a several vehicles pass by.
Seconds later, he was rear-ended by an impatient BMW X3 driver.
Since then, Matthew has not ridden and is still waiting for another bike as his was classified a repairable write off.
To rub salt into his wounds, police and the courts have refused to provide him or us information about the driver’s punishment.
Matthew Craig’s immaculate BMW R 1200 R before it was rear-ended
All he knows is that the woman was charged with driving without due care and attention and the matter was finalised at Holland Park Magistrates Court on January 25, 2017.
Search for justice
Matthew was not forewarned about the court appearance and his efforts over the past two years to find out what happened have failed.
He has been told it is a privacy issue.
However, the matter was heard in an open and public court. It is not his fault he was not present when the matter was heard as he was not warned of the date.
It is good that justice may have been done, but it is important that justice is also seen to be done and that the victims are satisfied with the verdict.
Matthew is now filing a Freedom of Information application.
We will update you if/when he gets a result.
How to avoid rear-ender
Meanwhile, it looks like there is little Matthew could have done to avoid this rear-ender.
The problem is impatience.
It happened to me at a stop sign when a fellow rider rammed me from behind. We were in a queue of riders going around the corner. While looking to the right for oncoming traffic he assumed I had dribbled through the stop sign instead of coming to a full stop.
I have also seen this happen to another rider and a friend in his car. Check out this rear-ended rider’s video.
The first vehicle moves to the front and stops to look for traffic and the next vehicle stops behind them.
On seeing that the road is clear, the second vehicle just proceeds without looking ahead, assuming the vehicle in front has also moved.
In this case, Matthew waited cautiously for the vehicle with the dashcam, even though there was a clear left lane.
Impatience leads to impact!
And the driver behind him doesn’t even appear to be ready to stop!
His cautiousness cost him a crash.
To avoid this sort of incident, riders can try several things:
Check behind to see if there is a vehicle following;
If possible, offset your bike to the following vehicle, either to the extreme left or right of the lane or trickle a little around the corner; and/or
Blow your horn or rev your bike to alert the following driver that you are still there.
Michelin Anakee Adventure tyres have now arrived in Australia with more sizes arriving in May.
The tyres, unveiled at the EICMA Motorcycle Show in Milan in November, are designed for riders who do about 80% tarmac touring and about 20% dirt riding.
Michelin Australia has now announced the sizes and pricing:
Rear:
170/60 R 17 M/C 72V, $299, now available
150/70 R 17 M/C 69V, $279, now
150/70 R 18 M/C 70V, $299, now
130/80 R 17 M/C 65H, $249, May
140/80 R 17 M/C 69H, $259, May
Front:
90/90 – 21 M/C 54V, $179 now
110/80 R 19 M/C 59V, $229, now
120/70 R 19 M/C 60V, $239, now
100/90 – 19 M/C 57V, $179, May
The tyres have also been approved for the new BMW R 1250 GS and the coming Moto Guzzi V85 TT as well as many other big-capacity adventure bikes.
Moto Guzzi V85 TT
Anakee Adventure
The tyre joins their adventure range consisting of the Road 5 Trail for 100% road use and Anakee Wild for 50% road and 50% off-road.
Michelin claims the Anakee Adventure has exceptional grip on wet roads due to its new-generation silica-enhanced compound.
It is also claimed to have dry weather stability and long wear thanks to two Michelin-patented technologies.
Dual Compound 2CT means the front tyre combines different all-silica compounds for the crown and shoulders. This aids grip, especially on wet ground, with no detriment to dry weather performance or tyre life.
Michelin’s 2CT+ technology uses a rubber compound for the tyre’s crown that serves as a rigid ply passing under the edges of the shoulder compound. This makes the tread stiffer in depth for improved stability when leaning.
Anakee Adventure also has a new, open tread pattern for traction on unsealed tracks and trails.
Michelin won in the first year in 2015 and again 2017.
The 2018 Canstar Blue customer satisfaction survey of more than 350 riders reveals some startling findings about rider attitudes to their motorcycle tyres.
Almost half of Aussie motorcycle riders have not checked their tyre pressures in the past three months.
Moto Guzzi has released the tech specs the 58kW V85 TT that arrives here in June in two models with a choice of two colours, initially.
Base-model single-colour “Grigio (grey) Atacama” (pictured above) will cost $18,890 (plus on-road costs) while the Enduro Premium (below) with multi-colour “Giallo (yellow) Sahara” paint costs $19,590.
Moto Guzzi Australia says these prices are “tentative” so we guess they could change with final specification or currency exchange rates.
Pricing compares with the following European scramblers and adventure bikes: Ducati Multistrada 950 ($18,390); Scramblers ($15,499-$17,290); BMW R nineT GS and Scrambler ($17,690-$18,750), F 850 ($17,990-$22,305); KTM 1090 Adventure R ($19,995); and Triumph Tiger 800 ($15,590-$18,350), Street Scrambler ($15,900).
Colour choice may also be expanded down the track.
The Enduro Premium model comes with a red painted frame, double-coated components, tri-colour fork protectors and a Skai (perforeted suede look) saddle with the Moto Guzzi logo double stitched in grey thread.
Moto Guzzi Australia is already taking orders and say they are being “quickly snapped by customers”.
Tech specs have now also been released. See the end of this article for the full tech specs.
In summary, it has 85kW of power, 80Nm of torque, a high 830mm seat and weighs 229kg with 90% fuel in the 21-litre tank.
TT by name
TT stands for “tutto terreno” (all terrain in Italian), so it features several all-terrain features.
They include a high beak, high exhaust pipe, twin headlights, wired wheels, handguards, tubular steel frame, bash plate, high clearance and 1980s motorsport colour scheme.
We’re not really sure if it’s a scrambler or an adventure bike. Maybe it’s a new niche in between the two.
V85 TT features a unique asymmetric swingarm housing the shaft drive.
We believe theEnduro Premium will have an Ohlins mono shock and forks.
V85 TT should capably plug the gap left by the Stelvio which was shelved because the engine could not meet the new emissions standards.
V85 TT in the Moto Guzzi wind tunnel at Mandello del Lario
Our only concern about this beautiful adventure bike is that it is too pretty for off-road use.
What happens if you drop it as many adventure riders do?
Like a BMW R 1200 GS (and now 1250), it will need substantial protection for those heads, for a start.
Clever instruments
The full colour, fully digital TFT screen has a host of information.
The two-helmet symbol at the top indicates electronic preload adjustment while the menu is expected to display various engine modes and possibly traction control settings.
A phone icon suggests it has Piaggio’s new connectivity app available for Android and iOS phones.
It allows the owner to ping their bike and locate it in a parking lot. It also has a panic alert system, which connects you with the pre-designated contacts in case of an emergency.
The app reminds the rider of a pending service, helps owners locate the nearest service stations and includes a customer care service.
This system was developed with German component manufacturer Hella. and is available on Piaggio scooters and Aprilia motorcycles.
It can be retrofitted through official service centres.
The bike is a tribute to the Moto Guzzis that competed in African rally raids and the Dakar rally in the 1908s.
Moto Guzzi boasts of a “solid off-road tradition” extending back to the Six Day Reliability Trial in Austria 1939 where Moto Guzzi participated with the GT 20 and went on to win four gold medals.
The Italian manufacturer tackled the Paris-Dakar rally in 1985 with the V65 Baja and the following year with the V75 Baja.
Moto Guzzi V85 TT tech specs
V85 TT
Engine: Transverse 90°, 853cc V twin, 2 valves per cylinder
Bore and stroke: 84 x 77mm
Compression: 10.5:1
Power: 59kW (80hp) @ 7750rpm
Torque: 80Nm @ 5000rpm
Fuel: 21 litres (including 5L res)
Economy: 4.9L/100km
CO2: 118g/km
Transmission: dry clutch, 6-speed
Frame: tubular steel
Seat: 830mm
Dry weight: 208kg
Wet weight: 229kg
Suspension: 41mm hydraulic telescopic USD fork, with adjustable spring preload and hydraulic rebound; double-sided swingarm in box-type aluminium, single shock, adjustable spring preload and hydraulic rebound, 170mm travel
Brakes: 320mm twin floating discs, Brembo radial-mounted callipers with 4 pistons; 260mm steel disc, floating calliper with 2 pistons
The study shows that riding lifts our focus and attention, and decreases relative levels of the hormone cortisol which is mainly released at times of stress.
UCLA research
The UCLA researchers used mobile EEG technology to record the brain activity and hormone levels of 50 experienced motorcyclists before, during and after riding, driving and resting.
After 20 minutes, riders adrenaline levels increased 27% and heart rate increased 11% which is similar to light exercise.
Researchers also found an increase in brain activity similar to drinking a coffee. This led to increased sensory focus and resistance to distraction.
At the same time, cortisol hormone levels dropped 28%, reducing stress.
Research team leader Dr Don Vaughn says the differences in participants’ neurological and physiological responses between riding and either driving or resting “were quite pronounced”.
“The chemicals that make you feel happy – oxytocin, dopamine, endorphin and serotonin – are produced by the endocrine system,” she says.
“Not all of these chemicals are released at the same time and each has a different outcome.
“However, more of these chemicals are produced when we look forward to doing something we enjoy, we get up early, we go outside in the sunshine and fresh air, we challenge ourselves, we meditate, we concentrate on an activity that requires skill and generally do things that motivate us.
“That pretty much sounds like motorcycling to me,” she says.
Stress and speed
However, a little bit of stress can be good for us.
His theory is based on research into stress levels by human behaviour researcher Chris Welford. It shows that people perform better when their stress level is moderate and worse when it is too low and too high.
“In a road safety context, pressure relates to speed, and performance relates to our ability to operate a vehicle safely,” Peter says.
Therefore, a rider’s performance is degraded whether they are riding too fast or too slow for the conditions. That makes them more vulnerable to crashing.
Riders looking for premium motorcycle suspension should welcome the new ownership of Swedish company Öhlins Racing by tech company Tenneco.
The American company has worked with Öhlins on their CES valves over the past 20 years.
It will lend technological and logistic support that should lead to more products for more models, more outlets, faster delivery and probably cheaper prices.
Öhlins boss Henrik Johansson has welcomed the “strong owner”.
“Tenneco has everything we need that we currently do not have,” he says.
“We have technology, engineering capacity and a global brand name. Tenneco has global production, technology and a distribution network.
“By using Tenneco’s capabilities in purchasing and product development, we can reduce cost, increase profit and increase penetration of Öhlins products.”
He says the ownership deal will also bring new products to market faster.
“Competition is getting stronger, lead times are getting shorter; technology is getting to market faster,” he says.
“Tenneco will benefit from our ability – as a smaller, more agile organisation – to act much quicker and more efficiently in bringing new products and technologies to market.
“My objective is to continue to develop technology, open new doors in some areas and keep them open.”
Öhlins ownership
Öhlins is well known in racing and recreational circles as one of the world’s top suspension companies for motorcycles, mountain bikes, cars and in motorsport for the past 43 years.
It not only provides aftermarket suspension components but also factory-fitted suspension.
Manufacturers using Öhlins include Aprilia, Ducati, Honda, Kawasaki, Moto Guzzi, MV Agusta, Norton, Triumph and Yamaha who used to own 5% of the Swedish company before it was bought back in 2007.
Öhlins will be incorporated into Tenneco’s Aftermarket and Ride Performance company which will begin operations this year.
Despite the new ownership, Öhlins will continue to operate as a stand-alone business.
Tenneco boss Brian Kesseler says Öhlins will remain a premium product and there are no plans to bring it into the mid-market, mass-market motorcycle segment.
Tenneco also bought Italian motorcycle and bicycle suspension company Marzocchi in 2009.
Racing support
Ohlins Racing Moto 2 forks
The company will continue to play an important part in motorsport.
“Öhlins has never sponsored a rider or a team,” Henrik says.
“We actually sell what we produce for Formula 1, Formula E, MotoGP, Nascar and others because we make the best products.
“I’m convinced that Tenneco will continue with that strategy and we can work on further building the Öhlins name in racing.”
The ownership deal is yet to be approved by the EU.
